Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC today announced a $2.25 million NSW Liberal National Government grant for Stage Two of the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility from the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Mr MacDonald said the grant, in conjunction with $750,000 in co-funding from Northern NSW Football, would upgrade the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility which will benefit Northern NSW Football’s capacity to engage young girls in talented player pathway and host events of regional, state, national and international significance.

“The grant for Stage Two will fund construction of a multi-purpose building with a dedicated football education centre, installation of 200 lux sports field lights to increase hours of play on a turf football pitch at the entrance of the facility, as well as new changerooms and toilets for players and match officials,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This is fantastic news not just for Northern NSW Football but for the Lake Macquarie region,” Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said.

“I worked with David Eland and others to get this facility up and running, so seeing State funding for the second stage is really great. The facility not only provides first-class facilities for locals, it has put us on the map nationally and even internationally, so I again applaud everyone involved.”

“Northern NSW Football is greatly appreciative of the NSW Government’s support through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said.

“The grant of $2.25 million will enable Northern NSW football to proceed with Stage 2 of the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility which will include the construction of a significant multi-purpose amenities building and new lighting which will service the under-utilised turf pitch at the entrance of the facility.”

“Northern NSW Football acknowledges the unwavering support of the State Member for Lake Macquarie, Mr Greg Piper MP for the Lake Macquarie Regional Football facility from the outset.”

“I congratulate Northern NSW Football and look forward to seeing this facility come to life with countless benefits for local players, athletes, teams, their fans and the wider sporting community,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said.

“The NSW Liberal National Government has been working hard to make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play, to lift sports participation and help to foster a sense of pride and identity in regional communities.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said building and improving sporting facilities in regional NSW will develop pathways for strong athletes and create spaces for the community to come together and enjoy active and healthy lifestyles.

“By upgrading and expanding regional NSW stadiums, fields, training facilities and sporting hubs, we provide rising stars with the means to further develop their skills and encourage others to participate on the field or on the sidelines,” Mr Ayres said.